World · East Asia & Pacific · 8 hrs ago
Taiwan plans to raise military pilots’ retirement age to 58
Taiwan plans to let some military pilots serve until age 58, up from current limits of about 48 for lieutenant colonels and 52 for colonels.
The change is intended to keep experienced pilots in the armed forces.
The air force is preparing to form operational squadrons around 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighters ordered from the United States.
Taiwan is concerned it may have more fighter jets than pilots to fly them.
Under the plan, the air force would add 72 posts for qualified lieutenant colonel and colonel pilots with at least 14 years of service.
Those pilots could keep their rank and focus on flying instead of command or administrative work.
The scheme is meant to make military service more attractive than moving to potentially better-paid jobs with commercial airlines.
Taiwan’s defence ministry plans to let military pilots serve until age 58, up from current limits of about 48 for lieutenant colonels and 52 for colonels.
The proposed scheme would create 72 additional posts for experienced lieutenant colonel and colonel pilots.
Eligible pilots would need at least 14 years of service and could focus on flying rather than command or administrative duties.
The plan comes as Taiwan’s air force prepares to form operational squadrons around 66 new F-16V Block 70 fighters ordered from the United States.
Defence Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung said the arrangement aims to retain experienced pilots who might otherwise pursue careers with commercial airlines.
- Who
- Taiwan’s defence ministry plans the scheme for military pilots, including qualified lieutenant colonels and colonels.
- What
- It plans to allow pilots to serve until age 58 and create 72 additional posts.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Taiwan.
- Why
- To retain experienced pilots as the air force prepares to operate new F-16V fighters and some pilots consider careers with commercial airlines.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Proposed retirement age
- 58
- Current age limit for lieutenant colonels
- About 48
- Current age limit for colonels
- 52
- Additional pilot posts
- 72
- Required service for additional posts
- At least 14 years
- New fighters
- 66 F-16V Block 70 jets ordered from the United States
Sources
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